Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga.
Some companies allow employees to bring their dogs to work, but few allow cats. Most remote workers, including my colleagues, enjoy having their cats around their home offices. Even though they jump on our keyboards, interrupt our video conferences, and attack inanimate objects, we’re lucky enough to spend the day with them.
Pros of Office Cats
With the exception of those with allergies, most office workers will benefit from their presence. Since cats can be unpredictable, they will make the work day more entertaining. Watching a cat bother or attack everyone’s least favorite co-worker will make you laugh and boost morale.
It’s hard not to smile when you see a cat dive through the blinds or climb the cubicle wall; You can’t have a bad day when the cats run wild in the office. Sure, it can cause some to lose focus, but a few lost minutes are less damaging to a business than a workforce of angry and unhappy employees.
Before they can enter an office, cats must be vaccinated, groomed, sterilized, and free of parasites, but their behavior should not disqualify them. Having a few aggressive or hyperactive cats can only make the office environment more intriguing. Keeping litter boxes clean and deciding who cleans may seem like a problem, but it’s simple to solve.
The office manager or CEO can decide who cleans the litter boxes after they have completed their employee evaluations. The worker with the lowest score can clean them every day and buy more trash if needed. This will motivate them to work harder and eventually pass the litter scoop to another worthy caretaker.
Finally, having cats in the office can be therapeutic. Before a big presentation, your nerves are shot, but all you have to do is pick up one of the friendly cats and take care of them. Their purring will relax you and give you the confidence to keep going.
Weaknesses of Office Cats
I could write a long article about the disadvantages of allowing cats in the office, but I’m biased because Olga keeps me optimistic when I work. However, I will mention less common reasons. Some cats enjoy attacking computer mice, and large numbers of mice in any modern office can lead to many injuries and worker claims.
The dress code will also cause problems. Cat owners who insist on dressing their cats for work will eventually resent the best-dressed cats, which can lead to more conflicts and meetings with the HR director. Employees can also become irritated when video chatting with clients and repeatedly hearing, “What a nice kitty you have. What kind of cat is that?”
I won’t last long at work if I bring Olga to the office. He often sleeps in the morning, but hunger pangs make him restless in the afternoon. His Tasmanian Devil-like behavior is not amused at all.
After knocking over family photos and coffee cups on tables, sharpening his nails on employees’ legs, and defiling the break room, he would be fired, and I would be fired. Fortunately, I work at home and can put up with Olga’s nonsense.
This article is part of a series by Christopher and Olga.
